With tourists flocking to Tiger’s Nest and Rinpung Dzong, Paro may be small but unique, offering countless tourist experiences everyone will love.
Paro is located in the west part of Bhutan, approximately 45 minutes (by car) from Thimphu. 15,000 people live in Paro, and the valley is gaining more tourists every year. The two major attractions are Tiger’s Nest and Rinpung Dzong, both equally as breathtaking. They are surrounded by comfortable hotels, incredible fine dining, and shopping. If you’re in Bhutan for eight days, one night in Paro is enough for both landmarks. But if your Bhutan trip is ten or fourteen days, then you might consider staying in Paro for several nights.
Everything is spread out in Paro valley. To get around Paro, a driver is highly recommended (please email us at contact@jetsettimes.com for a driver recommendation). If drivers are unavailable, taxis are also available near the downtown area.
*Please note: Not every place listed has a website or can be indicated by interactive maps. If you are trying to find a destination, not on the map, ask a driver or the locals.
SEE: Tiger’s Nest
Tiger’s Nest, full name: Taktsang Palphug Monastery (or Paro Taktsang), is THE reason why travelers come to Bhutan. Besides its legend as a place meant to tame a tiger demon, the geography of the temple is awe-inspiring. Tiger Nest rests craved into a precipitous cliff, 10,240 feet above sea level. When it is cloudy, visitors can witness the fierce red color cut through the haze. The monastery is built into the rock face that appears as a face of an actual tiger. Tiger’s Nest is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for tourists and continues to surpass its reputation.
The hike up to Tiger’s Nest is strenuous and divided into two sections. The first part requires approximately an hour and can be done via horseback riding or hiking on foot. After reaching a tea house, the second part of the hike begins. This part is only possible on foot and takes another hour. It is important to remain patient and be careful while hiking up and down as the cliff of narrow stairs.
SEE: Rinpung Dzong
Rinpung = heaps of jewels. This is the main dzong in Paro. With fourteen chapels and shrines, travelers can discover the ways local government and Buddhist mantras work together as one inside the dzong. Included here are monks’ assembly hall, protector’s shrine, apartments of the abbot, chapel of the head lama…etc. The dzong was first founded during the 15th century and built by lama Drung Drung Gyal.
EAT: Phuensum Gakhil Restaurant
$$$$ Near Children Park, Main Town, Paro, Bhutan
We loved this joint for the cozy atmosphere and its lovely staff. The crowd is a mixture of locals and travelers, but the menu offers plenty of traditional Bhutanese dishes, from all sorts of tasty marinated meats to fresh vegetables. Make sure to enjoy your meal with local beers; then you’ve got a heavenly combination after a lovely day!
EAT: Yue-Ling Restaurant
$$$$ Main street, Paro, Bhutan (map)
Although many guides and drivers will bring small groups to this restaurant, Yue-Ling is a delicious place to reenergize either during lunch break or dinnertime. Vegetables, red chili, and meat dishes are very nicely done. Looking for clean, flavorful Bhutanese cuisine? Yue-Ling is a delightful choice.
EAT: Bukhari
$$$$ Paro Valley, Paro, Bhutan (map, website)
Celebrities, governmental officials often visit Bukhari for a contemporary, stylish dining experience near the mystic Tiger’s Nest. Lunch dishes lean toward international comfort foods, while dinners are gastronomic. A rare fine-dining treat in the Paro Valley! Menus are based on seasonal, local produce sourced by Executive Chef Dewa Wijaya, who delivers both Bhutanese and international dishes with strong flavors and serious finesse.
STAY: Uma by COMO
$$$$ Paro Valley, Paro, Bhutan (map, website)
Voted by many publications as one of the world’s best hotels, Uma by COMO is an intimate, 29-room resort that includes private villas right next to Tiger’s Nest. The view of the hotel is out of this world! The style combines local artisanship with COMO’s contemporary style, while activities range from yoga to Himalayan camping adventures. Its Bukhari restaurant is a royal favorite.
STAY: Gangtey Palace
$$$$ Paro Valley, Paro, Bhutan (map, website)
Want to stay at a place where the Bhutanese king used to call home? Gangtey Palace has 19 spacious rooms, an Indian restaurant, and a bar with an incredible view of Paro Valley. If you don’t want to break the bank on lodging but still want to go the luxury route, this is not exactly cheap, but it’s also worth it for the historical aspect of the establishment.
STAY: Nak-Sel Boutique Hotel
$$$$ Upper Ngoba Village, Paro, Bhutan (map, website)
Nak-Sel Boutique Hotel offers a peace of mind experience, as it is located away from the city but further into the forest. The rooms are comfortable, with a gorgeous view of Paro Valley. The staff is friendly, but how can they not be when a serene stream runs through the middle of the hotel.
SHOP: Made in Bhutan
This is THE place to go for a last-minute shopping spree. You’ll find something for everyone as it carries everything from souvenirs, postcards, jewelry, textiles, books, antiques, masks, armory…etc. So no more excuses to leave anyone off your gift list; you’ll absolutely find something at Made in Bhutan for you and your loved ones!
We really like Mexican food, because it is very original.